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Flash to accompany K5ii for wedding use

Posted 27/12/2014 - 15:04 Link
Hello all,

I'm new here, so thanks for having me!

I have owned a K5ii for the past year and love it. I will be photographing a couple of weddings this year so want to purchase a dedicated flash. I know the Pentax AF540 II is probably the best all round recommendation, but I really want to keep my budget to a maximum of £200. I'm looking at the Metz 44 AF1, the Metz 52 AF and the Sigma EF-610 DG Super.

One of the main features I am really keen on is rear curtain flash sync as I really like the creative effect it can give especially for a wedding reception on the dance floor. It seems that all of these models support this but I've read conflicting info as to whether this will work with the Pentax K5ii, especially for the Metz 44. Can anyone clear this up for me and possibly give me any feedback on these models.

The Metz 52 AF1 is quite a bit more expensive than the other two, so I'm wondering what gain the extra cost will give me?

As you can probably tell I have no experience in flash photography so just want to make sure i'm getting the best flash I can for my budget!

Thanks so much for your help.
Edited by sammshone: 27/12/2014 - 15:05
McGregNi
Posted 27/12/2014 - 17:24 Link
In general, from the specifications that I've read up on, the Metz 52 AF1 will be well worth the extra money on top of the 44 model, and therefore better overall value.

The main thing for me would be its ability to trigger another off-camera (slave) flash using the Pentax propitiatory wireless system. This gives you important extra flexibility and more creative options, so its worth the investment IMO. It can act as the main flash on camera, or paired with another one (which could be a cheaper model) and act as the 'trigger' unit, or the lighting can be balanced between the two. Also the 52 AF1 will allow High Speed Sync triggering of an off camera HSS capable flash unit.

So overall, assuming you want to explore and build a Pentax dedicated flash system, the 52 is the way to go I think.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Posted 28/12/2014 - 17:42 Link
Thanks so much for the advice here. I think you are correct, when comparing the data sheets for both flashes side by side, it is obvious that the 52, has much greater functionality. I'll take the plunge!
McGregNi
Posted 28/12/2014 - 19:54 Link
I'll sure you won't regret it, and there are some good deals out there at times. I've found with flash that it's the sort of thing that grows on you ... Once I started using it I just wanted to learn more and make fuller use of the possibilities ... And off camera wireless is a big part of that. Also, once you start trying HSS in bright light, or using modifiers that can reduce the output, you will appreciate the extra power available on the 52 model, so again it's very much worth every additional penny!

Looking forward to hearing how things go with your new flash ....
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
pentaxian450
Posted 31/12/2014 - 22:04 Link
The Sigma EF610DG Super will do everything the Metz flash can do at a fraction of the cost. BUT the Sigma flash doesn't have a very intuitive interface. Nevertheless, I have three Sigma flashes, and have no problems with them.

They will work perfectly in wireless mode, focal plane, rear sync...
Yves (another one of those crazy Canucks)
McGregNi
Posted 31/12/2014 - 22:15 Link
pentaxian450 wrote:
The Sigma EF610DG Super will do everything the Metz flash can do at a fraction of the cost. BUT the Sigma flash doesn't have a very intuitive interface. .

On Amazon UK just now ..... Metz 52 AF-1 .. £179 .......... Sigma EF610 DG Super .. £119

£60 difference. Would the Metz be worth that extra? I think it has the new type touchscreen interface, which I haven't used. I know it rotates to re-orient itself when you move to vertical shooting.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
stub
Posted 31/12/2014 - 22:17 Link
As someone who has meddled with flash. (Pentax AF540 Sigma 610DG Yongnuo 540) Without ever getting the results I have wanted. I would be interested in the outcome to this thread. So please If you will, come back later with any findings you make..
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
cabstar
Posted 02/01/2015 - 00:21 Link
On the k-5 mkii I found various Metz flashes to be hit and miss with exposure even the same scene repeatedly resulted in different exposures.

For a wedding I would choose the pentax just to reduce these errors occurring.

Enjoy the shoot
PPG Wedding photography Flickr
Concert photography

Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
SteveF
Posted 02/01/2015 - 12:12 Link
Hi. I realise I'm a bit late to the party, but you can relatively easily find the AF540 within your budget, if you shop around. I now know McGregni posted about his acquisition of one not too long ago for less than your budget. I paid £150 for mine, a display/demo model from a store (the box is a mess, but the flash is perfect).

I agree with Gary's last post, having previously used a Metz 44 with my K5.
McGregNi
Posted 02/01/2015 - 13:03 Link
That was a one off ' end of line' bargain ... A few of us got lucky after the tip off on this site. I had thought the Pentax unit would be too expensive, so had been considering the Metz choices, but when the Pentax appeared at £179 that was it!

This was the previous MK 1 model of course. I'm assuming that Gary above is referring to P-TTL working in relation to inconsistent exposures. That's good experience so If you need very reliable P-TTL in Dynamic situations then it is worth thinking about .... By nature, to an extent, P-TTL will never offer the same consistency of flash output as controlled manual working.
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Darkmunk
Posted 02/01/2015 - 13:10 Link
I have moaned about the Metz giving strange exposures in the past, but I'm still not convinced it wasn't me. Here's a recent set of 1098 images at 3,200 iso on P-TTL in extremely demanding quick-fire shots for a video sequence. I think I threw about 2 away! The 58 AF-2 was smelling a bit hot, but it handled it really well.
I use the '1' and the '2' for weddings. Nothing to compare them with, but they seem to work well.
Edited by Darkmunk: 02/01/2015 - 13:11

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